Troopers who responded to the recent command climate survey have given JTF leadership a broad representation of contin uing successes and areas to improve. Nearly 43 percent of the troopers partic ipated in the survey, which asked questions such as how are we doing? and what can we do better? This high percentage means that the information is valid and leaders can feel confident they are getting a true picture of the JTF The Command Climate Survey gave us a comprehensive look across the entire JTF. Next we looked at the top things that were a concern for troopers during the last CCS in January 2003 and compared them to the results from the most recent survey. said Navy Lt. Cmdr. David Kersey, JTF deputy inspector general. All this was done in order to gage the effectiveness of the changes made since the last Command Cli mate Survey. The issues of the highest interest for troopers included: work schedules, time off, food, training, transportation, leader ship and management, and communication and information dissemination. In almost all of these areas, there was dramatic drop in the number of complaints and a big increase in positive feedback. The leader ship of the JTF has taken positive action to correct or improve the conditions for sol diers here at Guantanamo Bay, Kersey said. And the results are reflected in the feedback from that survey. In the January 2003 survey, approxi mately 20 percent of JTF troopers said changes needed to be made to work sched ules to give more time away from their duties. Using the survey, JTF leadership learned this was an important issue to the troops and looked at what could be done. Although there has been an increase in mis sion taskings for the JTF, there has not been an increase in the number of hours troopers have been assigned to work. This has been achieved by leveraging information man agement systems, revising our manning documents to put more resources against key missions, using the talents of our troop ers in critical areas, and refocusing lowreturn duty positions toward higher priority missions. In fact, our Detainee Information Inside the Wire ... P P AGE AGE 12 12 L L ONG ONG JOURNEY JOURNEY M M AKING AKING A A DIFFERENCE DIFFERENCE N N IEVES IEVES BIDS BIDS FAREWELL FAREWELL Friday, February 13, 2004 Volume 4, Issue 22 www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo P P AGE AGE 3 3 P P AGE AGE 5 5 See Survey on page 4 Command survey paints accurate JTF picture Photo by SrA. Thomas Doscher SPC Chris Acosta, 384th Military Police Company, makes a sandwich in Cafe Caribe. Food preparation scored high in the recent Command Climate Survey.

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Page 2 Friday, February 13, 2004 JTF-GTMO Comman d Commander: MG Geoffrey D. Miller Joint Task Force CSM: CSM Stephen C. Short Public Affairs Officer: LTC Pamela L. Hart Deputy PAO LCDR Robert W. Mulac 70th MPAD Commander: CPT David Kolarik Command Information Officer / Editor: 1LT Tracy L. Saucy Circulation: 2,100 copies The Wire Staff The Wire NCOIC: SSG Patrick Cloward Editor: SPC Rick Fahr Staff writers and design team: SGT Jolene Staker SrA. Thomas J. Doscher SPC William D. Ingram SPC Katherine L. Collins Contact us: From Guantanamo: 5239/5241 (Local phone) 5426 (Local fax) From CONUS: Com: 011-53-99-5239 DSN: 660-5239 Public Affairs Office Online: http://www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo The Wire is produced by the 70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment assigned to the Joint Information Bureau at Joint Task Force Guan tanamo. This publication is printed under the provisions provided in Army Regulation 360-1 and does not reflect the views of the Depart ment of Defense or the personnel within. Recently, our Inspector General's office conducted a command climate survey in which many of you partici pated. The response was outstanding, and we were able to glean some valuable insight into the workings of the Joint Task Force. In addition, the high per centage of response provided a more accurate picture of our environment. Results of that survey are discussed in a companion article in this weeks issue. The purpose of the survey was to determine what we are doing right and what needs improvement. I am pleased to see that our troopers feel that there are many things that we are doing right! You feel that the quality of our food service operations is excellent. I agree. Improve ments to Windmill Beach and MWR facilities were also high on the list. We will continue to get better in these areas. Communications was one of the areas identified as needing improvement, par ticularly from higher to lower echelons. In contrast however, troopers replied that their supervisors lead by example through their words and actions. It would lead me to believe then that our communications network needs some improvement. We currently take great pains to insure that information is disseminated through out the chain of command. Articles in The Wire and weekly meetings between the senior leadership and troopers at the Seaside Galley on Saturday morning for instance are only a couple of the methods designed to get the information to the troops and dispel rumors. We will con tinue to use these methods of communi cations since they are invaluable. I use an old proven leadership tech nique known as MBWA. Thats Man agement By Wandering Around. Its one way that I get to observe the condi tions under which our troopers are work ing and to determine if the flow of information is actually making its way through the chain of command. It often surprises me to see that troopers arent informed. When I see this happening I always start going back up the chain of command to see where the breakdown had occurred. On the other hand, we need your feedback. I encourage you to use your chain of command to communicate across the task force. What you have to say is valuable and we want to know it. We are striving to make things better each day. Many of the improvements we have seen over the past few months are a result of your input to the chain of com mand. I admire your hard work and diligent efforts What you do is very important. If you see something that isnt working the way it should inform your leadership and give us some suggestions on how we can collectively make things better. Henry Ford once remarked, Dont find a fault. Find a remedy. Honor Bound. Trooper to Trooper BG Mitch LeClaire Deputy Commander JTF GTMO Operations Leadership using survey to improve JTF operation Photo by SrA. Thomas J. Doscher

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 3 By SSG Patrick Cloward This is a great day and a tough day, said MG Geoffrey Miller during the trans fer of responsibility ceremony held Feb. 9 at Camp Bulkeley. Members of Joint Task Force Guan tanamo gathered in the windy, dry field to pay respects to the departing CSM George Nieves, who completed his assignment as JTF command sergeant major in prepara tion for a new assignment. The troopers have benefited from his leadership, said Miller in his address to those assembled. Everything he has touched sets the standard of excellence. Nieves had only positive words to say about those he worked with and his experi ence here. The JTF is filled with outstanding sol diers ... along with numerous civilians, he said. You have come to GTMO and asked for nothing in return. I personally thank you for your dedicated service to your nation. Camp America camp commandant CSM Stephen Short will serve as interim command sergeant major as Nieves goes on to finish his career as the U.S. 5th Armys command sergeant major at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Of returning to a strictly Army environment, he added that his experience in a joint atmosphere was a valuable one. Working with five branches of service has been an experience I will never for get, he said of the combined effort Amer ican military work to fulfill the mission of detaining enemy combatants here. But, he said of his experience of working in the Army, I cannot think of another profes sion Id rather be in. CSM Nieves says farewell to the JTF Photo by SSG Patrick Cloward (left to right) Facing the troops, CSM George Nieves, MG Geoffrey Miller and CSM Stephen Short conduct the transfer of responsibility ceremony for the Joint Task Force Guantanamo command sergeant major. J-4 personnel honored Petty Officer 1st Class Carl Brown (far right) receives the Joint Service Achievement Medal from MG Geoffrey Miller (left) for his outstanding perform ance with the J-4 at JTF Guantanamo. Other recipients of the award included Petty Officer 3rd Class Virginio Torres (2nd from left) and Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephanie Daenzer (3rd from left). Also, Lt. Cmdr. Frankie Hand (not shown) received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his contributions to the support of the JTF. JTF social a success Members of JTF Guantanamo enjoy the sun and great outdoor cooking during the JTF Social held Sunday Feb. 8 at Windmill Beach. MSG Tim Yarbrough (in tshirt), 1st Battalion, 119th Field Artillery with the Joint Detention Operations group, enjoys some hot barbecue in the shade with fellow troopers (clockwise) SGT Fred Jacklett, SPC David Marks, SPC Craig Zachow, and PFC Jeremy Ginther, all also with B Battery, 1st Bn.,119th FA. Photo by SRA Thomas Doscher Photo by SSG Patrick Cloward

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 4 Management System turned a 500 page-a-day headache into a paperless operation that is infi nitely more responsive and adaptable to the JTF mission. As a result of all these adjust ments, in the latest survey, the number of complaints about working hours dropped from 20 to 10 percent. The JTF leader ship isn't satisfied there, and despite looming increases in the pace of operations, will con tinue to reign in work hours and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the JTF. A joint task force marches on its stomach, and improve ments in the quality of food have proven to be a big hit. The addition of Caf Caribe gave troopers working inside the wire a modern dining facility close to where they work, with good food and a built-in pres sure release. The recent survey showed an increase in positive feedback and showed an increase in satisfaction with the food served to JTF troopers. The food is excellent out standing job by all galley per sonnel, was one trooper's comment. Our food service personnel continue to work on Seaside Galley and Caf Caribe in order to cater to their 'cus tomers,' improve food quality, offer more variety in meal selection, enhance the look and feel of Seaside Galley, and improve food refrigeration and preparation. The opportunities for train ing scored high with JTF troop ers, with many comments being made about training opportuni ties that troopers might not oth erwise have, the quality of the PT program, and the availabil ity of weight rooms and aerobic exercise equipment. Physical training was gen erally seen as a positive within the JTF, Kersey said. Most troopers have really appreciated the ability to focus on improv ing their levels of fitness. The JTF has its own weight room and cardio rooms located in Camp Bulkeley. Sporting several different kinds of weight machines and exercise equipment already, plans to expand the facility are already being finalized and work is scheduled to be done by the end of April. Additions will include lockersand saunas for both men and women, new exercise machines and an outdoor awning that would run the length of the gym for outdoor free weights. Along with the gym, some of the ball fields near Camp America will be ren ovated and lighted in order to offer more choices for troopers as they strive to shed pounds and get in great shape. Other types of training have caught troopers interest. Sol diers have been able to receive new types of training such as hand-to-hand training and the combat swim test, was one comment. Training opportuni ties are continuing to expand at all levels. The Primary Leader ship Development Course is now in operation and will pro vide the E-4 and E-5 troopers the professional military educa tion that is required to become a non-commissionsed offierleader. PLDC is in session right now, and promises to turn out 20-30 future U.S. Army leaders every two weeks. Our Battle Staff training recently scored 16 for 16 successful completions, the best in the U.S. Army. This training will be offered again during the GTMO 5 rotation. Our Infantrymen will vie for the coveted Expert Infantry man's Badge (EIB) this spring. During the last test, 13 infantry men were awarded the EIB. We look forward to another challenging training opportu nity where more infantrymen can get their EIB and have their names added to the wall of fame at Club Survivor. Finally, the JTF is working to begin collective live training opportunities at Leeward train ing areas. In partnership with the Guantanamo Naval Base, JTF-GTMO supported the refurbishment of the Leeward medical clinic in anticipation of increased training opportunities on Leeward. Soon we should hear teams, squads, platoons and companies firing an maneuvering through live fire courses. All this, plus enhanced airborne security training, 31E conversion training, and train ing in the art and science of patrolling await JTF-GTMO troopers. Morale, recreation and wel fare walk hand in hand, and JTF troopers know it. As a result, JTF leadership made efforts to make sure troopers are getting what they ask for in the MWR facilities at Camp America. Computer rooms provide access to the Internet and are equipped with a program that lets troopers call home for a low price. JTF-GTMO plans to add approximately 20 more computers in the Camp Amer ica facility in late February. Day rooms in Camp Amer ica North with big screen TVs give troopers a place to simply relax and watch television, while expanded hours at Club Survivor allow off-duty troop ers the opportunity to relax and socialize with their fellow troopers. Club Survivor will also be getting a facelift this spring. There are plans to add a second volleyball court next to the current one, as well as a stage for live music perform ances, and a dance floor in front of the patio. The modifi cations are slated to start in Photo by SrA. Thomas Doscher SGT Matt Kowalski, 1/181 Infantry Regiment, adds weight to the bench press at the Camp Bulkeley gym Feb. 8. Improvements to the gym will include more weight machines and a new awning for outdoor free weights. Survey from page 1 See Survey on page 9

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 5 By SGT Jolene Staker African Americans served in the Union army during the Civil War, and in 1866 congress cre ated the first peace time AfricanAmerican units. Black History month allows us to not only rec ognize that service but the con tinual service of AfricanAmericans and the contribution their heritage plays in the success of the JTF. The military is a melting pot, said LTC Pamela Hart, JTF public affairs officer. The mili tary has been in the forefront of breaking segregation and inte grating all races. African-Americans serving in the calvary forces on the Ameri can frontier became known as Buffalo Soldiers by the Cheyenne and Comanche. These calvarymen subdued Mexican revolutionaries, hostile Native Americans, outlaws, comancheros and rustlers. This service was as invaluable as it was unrecognized. Not as known, but equally important is the Buffalo Sol diers service as they explored and mapped the southwest and strung hundreds of miles of tele graph wires. In December of 1944, African-Americans volunteered as infantry replacements. Up until this time they had been serving in the European Theatre of Operations in service units. In July of 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Execu tive Order 9981 calling on the armed forces to provide equal treatment and opportunity for all servicemen. Many believe integration has made the military better through the years. You get a better end product by bringing people of varying backgrounds together, said Hart. People from different walks of life bring unique experi ences as well as different atti tudes and approaches to solving problems. CW4 Charles Ward said that he has been in the military his entire life. His mother and father both served in the Army so he grew up in the Army. When Ward decided to join the military he became at least the seventh generation in his family to serve in the United States Military. During his time in the military Ward has seen many changes. Some, ethnic service mem bers continue to populate tradi tional military specialties, while many others have embraced the more challenging skills, he said. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Harmon has seen more AfricanAmericans rise to leadership positions during his 21 year career. Ive seen a gradual focus towards improving that diversity at the top to be more representa tive of the airmen they lead and our society overall, said Har mon. This benefits younger mili tary members by giving them mentors and role models. Theres a lot to be said about the benefits both tangible and intangible of junior troops see ing and interacting with senior leaders that they can relate to eth nically, said Harmon. Chaplain Paul Minor, JTF Chaplain, has a rich heritage of military service back to his grandfather who was a Buffalo Soldier. Minor points out that there should be diversity in the military. Its Americas military, said Minor. It is just like the nation there are a lot of different people in the country. CW1 Renee Riley, J-4 hous ing manager, just recently stepped into her leadership role. While we study and appreci ate the differences brought to the military by our varying heritages, let us also remember what com mon denominator we share. I am proud to be an Ameri can, said Riley. Ive stayed in the military because of the camaraderie, said Hart. There is no better group of people to serve with. Photo by SGT Jolene Staker (Left) CW4 Charles Ward offers CW2 Kent Nelson some mentoring. Mustangs, the largest percentage of warrants are from the enlisted ranks, said Ward. Photo by SGT Jolene Staker LTC Pamela Hart looks up from working on public affairs guidance. Being the JTF public affairs officer has allowed her to bring her positive approach to the JTF. She has worked hard to be a valuable part of the team. Photo by SGT Jolene Staker Air Force Tech Sgt. Anthony Whiting, SMO, gives daily SITREP to WO1 Renee Riley, JTF housing manager. Guantanamo is Rileys first assignment since becoming a warrant officer. JTF recognizes contributions of African-Americans

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 6 Valentines Day Messages LTC Westphal, You are very special to us, Please be our Valentine! J-3 Section Sweetie, You are the ship of my dreams and the love of my life. CDR. Stephen Jones To Chris, Cristian and Arianna, You are my love and inspiration. I miss you dearly. Love Mommy B, I wasnt gonna do this but youll be all snugged up with me here! LY E SPC Tracey Metz: Happy Valentines Day. We are very proud of you. Love and miss you. Mom & Dad Kerry, I Love You With All My Heart and Soul. Happy Valentines Day. Love Always Kathy B Berkes, We love you more! Love, M & J Jo Jo, You are the love of my life and I miss you tremendously. Happy Valentines Day!! Love, Wubby Tracy, You are the joy in my day, the love of my heart, forever. Jeff Daddy, Even though youre far away I still remember you day-to-day. Love you bunches! Madison Jo SFC Bultemeyer: Youre our hero! We miss you very much. Love, Marlene, Evie & Grace Amy, You mean everything to me, I love you so very much. XO Scott Happy Valentines Day to all the Kozettes. You are great Americans. Miss you. Love, Dad/Hubby Little Soldier Boy, The special times that we have spendthere have been the best time sof my life. I just wanted to say thank you always, Soldier Girl Suzie, Thanks for being the best wife and friend a man could ever hope for. Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Johnny

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 7 Valentines Day Messages To my wife Mary, My best friend and with all my love of twenty years, Happy Valentines Day! SFC Kenneth Sobecki Gina Frisbee, you are wonderful, Sweetie! Love you very much. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! D. Frisbee Leilani, I love you more today than yesterday and only half as much as tommorrow. Love Always, Corey Honeybunny, I luuuuuuvvvvv you... I mii iiiisssss you... Like Cuban butter flies, Im all-a-flutter. Your Mister X Happy Valentines Day shout out to my peeps; Meghan & Andrea at CITF! Vuke XO To all JTF Troopers, The Public Affairs Office wishes you a Happy Valentines Day! Jason, Everyday is an adventure with you. Thanks for all that you do. Love, Trish Big Enda, Tank & Big Head, Have a Happy Valentines Day! All my love, Shorty! Devanne, My life became complete the day that I met you. From your loving wife, Juanita Benita, Our love has crossed from Ocean to Ocean and I will always love you. Always remember that you are my greatest inspiration. Love Will Kiwi, You are my very special fruit. Jo

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 8 By SGT Jolene Staker When SPC Luis Marrero first felt the call to join the military to work toward becoming a chaplain, he prolonged his decision to make sure it wasnt just him thinking it was good to be a soldier. God continued to reveal to him that this was the plan for his life. In September of 2001,Marrero answered the call. I believe that God has something for me in the military as a chaplain, said Marrero. It is a long road for Marrero to become a chaplain. First, he has to complete his bach elors degree and then he has to complete three years of divinity. After completing seminary he has to serve two years as a pas tor in a church. Then he will need to be endorsed by a church before he can even apply for the chaplaincy. The road may be long, but Marrero is committed. I accepted Jesus when I was 16 years old, and I have found it joyful and felt it was my duty to preach Gods word since, he said. Marrero preaches at his home church in Massachusetts as well as the Worcester Correctional Facility. In addition to the military training that he has had to be a chaplains assistant, he has also attended classes at an institute by a pentecostal church known as Mission Board and gone through a training program at his church. He is now a licensed minister which is the first step in becoming an ordained min ister. His church training has covered topics such as crisis intervention, suicide preven tion, dealing with youth, dealing with a con gregation, the conduct of a pastor, how to confront others and studies of matrimony. His civilian training coupled with his military training has prepared him to deal with soldiers. He also draws from his ten year marriage when counseling troopers with marital issues. My number one goal is being able to somehow get to the point of the need of the trooper, said Marrero. I want to help them in each way I can to help them become bet ter troopers and achieve their goals. Marreros main responsibilities include going out with Chaplain Paul Minor to visit soldiers, Alpha, helping with Soul Survivor and other services and keeping the office in Camp America open. We want the office to be a place where soldiers can relax, enjoy themselves and forget about work for a little while, said Marrero. We want them to be comfortable. That is why we got new furniture. Marrero is originally from Puerto Rico and writes and speaks fluent spanish. This has helped him while counseling with some troopers. One thing that helps Marrero counsel troopers is what he learns in his day to day walk. The main challenge I face here is miss ing my family. I have two boys and the older one keeps reminding me that he needs me and loves me, said Marrero. He tells me to take care of myself. My wife just finished college and started her job as a spanish teacher, said Marrero. I am extremely proud of her and how dedicated she was to her goal of becoming a teacher, said Marrero. There are no words to describe how proud of her I am. When Marrero gets stressed he prays. I pray for God to guide me on how to make decisions so I can be calm with my stress and situations, he said. Marrero also runs four miles every other day and works out with SGT Talal Elkhatib. He has raised his PT score 58 points. Marrero wants to make sure that troop ers know they can ask him anything. Im not here to reject anyone because of their preference of religion or their way of thinking, said Marrero. I am here to help in any way I can. I came to do a job, and my job is to assist the trooper and be there for the trooper. Photo by SGT Jolene Staker SPC Luis Marrero, JTF chaplain assistant, prepares the pizza for Alpha which is on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Camp America in room L1. Marreros service helping others L AVA LAVA ISLAND VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL needs volunteers Directors, station leaders, crew leaders and behind-the-scenes help are needed for the school, which will be June 14-18 To volunteer, please call the Base Chapel, 2323 or contact Barbara Olsen, 2359 or 7685 Heavenly Bits & Pieces By Chaplain (MAJ) Daniel Odean Exercise: Walk with the Lord! We are now in the sec ond month of 2004. Some people made resolutions to physically exercise more. Don't over look the needs of what is really more important than that, spiritual exercise! The result is, Heaven: no pain, but all gain!! Is aiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."

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March. Improvements to Windmill Beach have given JTF-GTMO troopers a place to swim, snorkel, sunbathe and barbecue, all within walking distance of where Camp America troopers live. New improvements are planned for Windmill Beach beginning in March, such as cabana renovations, new grill pits, turtle-friendly lights and a bonfire pit. JTF-GTMO lead ers recently made the decision to open up Kittery Beach to troopers in the near future. Plans are in the works to open this beach for recreational use in early spring. The beach will also be opened to use by Guan tanamo Naval Base personnel once an access road is in place that transits around the Radio Range area. This will open up one of the best beaches we have for snorkeling and scuba div ing. One of the most significant discoveries made by the survey was that 75 percent of respon dents felt that they worked well together as a team and that JTF troopers looked out for one another. Service members often commented that they felt a strong sense of camaraderie with their fellow members of the JTF, Kersey said. Troop ers were also generally very positive about the degree of teamwork demonstrated by their peers as we as the oppor tunity to work with members of other services, both active and reserve components. Sol diers are looking out for each other and checking on each other, one trooper said. Teams and squads are tightknit like a family, another trooper commented. Another 75 percent felt their supervisors set the right exam ple for their troops by their words and actions. My chain of command is trying to mentor me and make me excel, said one trooper. The young leader ship is growing into their roles, said another trooper. This is a very significant num ber and shows the dedication of leaders at all levels to lead from the front and lead by example, Kersey said. Every day in the JTF we're showing others what right looks like. It means junior leaders are doing it right. Kersey said the JTF leader ship continues to listen to troopers and improve condi tions at JTF-GTMO. We're doing sensing sessions with every company, JTF-GTMO, in partnership with Guan tanamo Naval Base leadership, is always on the lookout for ways to improve operations in every facet of the mission set. Additionally, as LCDR Kersey said. The Inspector General is always open. The IG as his office is known, has pulled up stakes and moved to Camp America to enhance access to troopers. Kersey said if you have an idea, tell someone about it. Voice it through your chain of command. We look into those suggestions, and we tell the general about them. The one area where JTFGTMO leadership found they could make big improvements was in the area of communica tions. Communication is the glue that binds JTF-GTMO troopers and leaders together. Communication between troopers and leaders is very important, Kersey said. Many of the troops responding to the survey felt that communication of information to the troops could be improved. The chain of command is committed to pushing timely and accurate information to the correct level. The Wire is one useful tool the JTF leadership uses to dissemi nate information and to answer questions that troopers ask. Recently a soldier asked about price differences between the commissary and the Navy Exchanges. The response was posted in The Wire so every trooper would know the answer. Another method being used to put out command infor mation is by e-mail, through the use of the GTMO-All address. Leaders at the company level are trying to get work and train ing schedules and other time sensitive information out to the troops further in advance to allow for better planning. But no administrative response can replace leaders doing their jobs right. Leaders need to report accurately and timely, know what right looks like, and train JTF-GTMO troopers to recog nize and meet disciplined stan dards. Crosstalk is critical in training, in developing a com mon operational picture, and in coordination before operations. All this contributes to synchro nized effects that hit where we want them to, in every facet of JTF-GTMO operations. JTFGTMO leadership has let the word go forth that we will improve markedly in the area of communications, so that we can have informed, combat-ready troopers and units, focused on missions success, able to meas ure success in personal and team goals, and capable of bringing the fight to the enemy under any conditions. This is a continually evolv ing JTF, and there is a lot of concern about taking care of the troopers, Kersey said. The success of the Command Cli mate Survey is a direct result of the participation of all those members of the JTF that filled out surveys and provided feed back on life here in Guan tanamo Bay. We have seen continual improvement in the quality of life since the last CCS, and the comments that troopers made on this survey will allow us to continue to improve every day. The JTF has a short history but a bright future. Dramatic improvements have been made in that short history and this and future Command Climate Sur veys will provide the informa tion needed to continually make improvements in this ever changing and growing environ ment. BG Mitch LeClaire, JTF deputy comander of operations, encouraged troopers to use their chain of command to suggest improvements and report suc cesses. What you have to say is valuable, we want to know it, he said. LeClaire noted that the JTF's overall success comes from individual troopers com mitted to excellence. Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 9 Photo by SrA. Thomas Doscher Navy Lt. Cmdr David Kersey and SFC Von Bultemeyer, Joint Task Force Guan tanamo Inspector General's office, work together on tallying the results of the Command Climate Survey. Survey from page 4

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 10 F AHR GAME All-star games live up to hype Sports highlights Compiled by SPC Rick Fahr Two professional sports leagues had their all-star matchups over the weekend. In the NFLs Pro Bowl the NFC squad, led by quarterback Marc Bulgers four touch down passes, beat the AFC, 55-52. Mike Vanderjaqts 51-yard field goal at the end sealed the victory for the NFC, which trailed by 18 points as late as the fourth quar ter. On the NHL ice, the East squad outlasted the West, 6-4. In an unusual turn, the games MVP Joe Sakic three goals -came from the losing team. *** Concerning an upcoming all-star game, the NBAs affair may feature rookie sensation LeBron James after all. After not being voted into the game or cho sen by coaches, James may still get an oppor tunity to play. Commissioner David Stern has made it clear that James will be his choice to replace any East guard or forward who gets hurt or otherwise cant play in the game. Starters for the game are: East Vince Carter, Jermaine ONeal, Ben Wallace, Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady ; West Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, Steve Francis and Kobe Bryant *** Two teams remain unbeaten in the NCAA mens ranks. Stanford squeaked by Arizona 80-77, to get to 20-0, and St. Josephs pounded La Salle 89-63, to get to that mark. But both teams still trail Duke (18-1) in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Rounding out the top five are Pittsburgh (20-1) and Connecticut (17-3). *** The annual celebrity watch known as the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am saw Vijay Singh continue his dominance. Singh posted a 16-under score in the event, winning by three strokes. Jeff Maggert came in second, followed by Phil Mickelson If last year was the year of the woman on the PGA tour, this year may be the year of the angry man on the PGA tour. Teenager Michelle Wie who finished in a tie for 38th in the Hawaii Pearl Open (a mens event), has received invitations to play in at least seven PGA events this year. *** Baseball is just around the corner, and one pitcher who will be smiling on opening day is Kevin Millwood The right-hander and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a one-year $11 million deal this week. Off the field, Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Luis Martinez surrendered to police. Hes wanted in connection with a shooting that allegedly occurred because of a parking spot. Sports Highlights compiled from www.espn.com. I read the sports pages to find out who won, who lost, whos playing tonight. But lately, Ive been learning a lot more about some sports icons, including a famous boxer with an infamous whispered question. Everybody knows George Foreman. Hes either a legendary boxer or a legendary pitchman for those low-fat grill things. He won 76 professional fights. He fought Muhammad Ali in Zaire, the Rumble in the Jungle. He was heavyweight champion of the world. Now, even though hes report edly in training for another bout, hes more of a smiling salesman than a bruising boxer. Foreman has a huge family, 10 children. Five of those are sons. Each one carries the name George Foreman. Until recently, I thought Fore man named his sons in that manner for a PR reason or for comedic value. I thought the move was a calculated effort to get a little more exposure, a few more laughs. But thats not the case at all. There has been some question in Foremans life about who his father really was. He may not have known his real fathers name. That uncertainty brooded in him, helping fuel the rage that helped him in the ring and most assuredly hurt him out. To ensure that his sons never live with that uncertainty, he gave each of them his name. Theyll never have to wonder who their father is. Im sure they carry their name proudly, though they may not fully understand yet the reasoning behind their fathers lesson. JDOG golf tournament to feature four-person scramble format Foreman takes uncertainty from sons The Joint Detention Opera tions Group is sponsoring a four-person scramble golf tournament on Feb. 26. The event will begin at noon at Yatera Seca Golf Course. There is a $20 per player entry fee, which includes club and cart rental and a barbecue after the event. Organizers will award prizes for low score, high score, longest drive (male and female), longest putt and clos est to the pin. Teams must include at least one female. Rules specific to the format include: n no score higher than a double bogey; n must use at least one tee shot from each player; n after deciding which ball to use, each player must shoot from within two feet of the location, except on putts; n lies may be improved in the fairway, but not in the rough. Entry forms are available at Bldg. E002 or A2600 in Camp America. The deadline to return entry forms is Feb. 20. For more information on entering the tournament, call 3177.

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 11 By SGT Jolene Staker For many in the 217th Military Police Co., their deployment in Cuba is all about family. Missing family is what makes being gone from home hard; keeping in touch with family is what gets them through; and knowing they are protecting their family makes it worth being here. Were fighting the war on terrorism to make it safe for those at home, said SFC William Harris, first platoon sergeant of the 217th MP Co. While it is hard to be away from family there are many ways to keep in touch, and members of the 217th are using them all. Harris and his daughter exchange elec tronic greetings. He e-mails his wife and calls her with his morale calls. Harris also sends a card in the mail from time to time just to let her know he cares. They support me through the mail, he said. I get mail every week. ... Knowing that you have support from your family and communicating with them helps strengthen you to meet the mission each day, said Harris Video teleconferences are another way this family chooses to keep in touch. At Christmas he was able to see his son, who was home on leave from basic training. I got to see him, and I saw a change in him, said Harris. He is a squad leader, and I could see the maturity. SSG John Clark, second squad leader of third platoon, also gets to see the growth in his children through VTCs. His daughter was born shortly after his arrival in Guantanamo. He also has two older children. There is a lot you can do on the com puter. I am watching my baby grow up on the computer, he said. Its kind of hard, but seeing her on the computer helps a lot. Clark credits his extended family for making his deployment easier by all the help they give his wife and children. I would like to thank them for helping so much and taking care of my family while Im gone, he said. His wife sends him a letter every other day with something in it from the children. Shes doing an outstanding job with three children while she is still working, Clark said. SGT Kip Jones, supply sergeant, enjoys the VTCs because its more realistic than video cams, because it is life-sized, he said. Keeping in touch with his wife and three young children help him stay grounded and remember that his deploy ment here will not last forever. The hard thing is when situations come up where your children are having problems at school, getting in fights or get sick, and youre not there to help them, he said. Jones stays in constant contact through email, phone calls and mail. SFC James Walton, third platoon leader and SOG in the wire, gets support from not only his wife and children but also his church family. My church family has been very sup portive, he said. The male chorus sends me tapes. They keep me up on the sermon of the week. Walton is a tenor singer for the male chorus and also serves as the groups chap lain. Support from his church family goes beyond that. His church family will be driving his family from Alabama to meet him on leave in Florida. Whatever my wife and children need my church family is there, said Walton. Walton misses his wife and children, but he works diligently to let them know that he loves them and has not forgotten them just because he is not home with them. Ive picked up Guantanamo t-shirts for the children and sent those home, said Walton. I just recently got hats embroi dered with their names. I worked the night shift when I was home so I was used to making their break fast and taking them to school, he said. Now I make sure I call regularly to let them know Daddy still loves them, said Walton. Walton, Clark and Harris make it a point to check with their soldiers on a reg ular basis to make sure they are keeping in touch at home and dont have any family issues that they need help with. Keeping in touch with family is impor tant for morale, said Harris. It is impor tant for each and every trooper to make sure they keep in touch with their family. Every time I talk with my wife she lets me know she misses me and is proud of me, said Harris. Knowing she is proud of me makes being here worthwhile. Photos by SGT Jolene Staker 217th MPs working hard at maintaining family ties (Top) SFC James Walton, of the 217th MP Co., looks at cards at the Camp America Nex to send his wife. He likes to keep in touch with his family so they know he loves them. (Middle) SSG John Clark, of the 217th MP Co., participates in a VTC. You can talk to everyone at one time and see how the kids are doing, he said. (Bottom) SGT Kip Jones, of the 217th MP Co., puts a card in the mail to his wife. He uses the phone and email most to commu nicate, but does send regular mail on occassion.

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Friday, February 13, 2004 Page 12 15 Minutes of Fame... With SPC Altrenna Thomas, 217th MP Co. SPC Altrenna Thomas joined the Army National Guard to explore her curiosity of military life, discover her professional interests and talents and grow as a person. Six years later she stands as a proud exam ple of the military's benefits and her own aptitude and perseverance to all who ques tioned her ability to succeed in the Army. She thanks the military with her dedication and aspiration to serve another 14 years. Q: What inspired your military service? A: I was working in a department store with a female who is also in this unit. One day she said she had to go to drill that week end. I asked what drill was. So she described her experience in the Army National Guard. I was in college at the time and wanted to experience something different. I was also 20 years old and curious about the military, since no one in my family had ever served. So, with no research, I talked to a recruiter immediately. I joined the 217th, as a 95B, because it was in my hometown. Q: How has your military service impacted and molded you as a service member and a person? A: It has definitely taught me discipline and helped me discover who I am and what my interests and strengths are. I joined as an MP and do my best at the job, but I've seen Id rather serve in personnel some how. My college degree is in human resource management. Its also made me more driven and focused in my career goals. I want to work in what I believe I will enjoy and can do best, in the military and as a civilian. My experience has also taught me to succeed in a world where women are expected to perform the same as men. This will help me a great deal in my civilian career and in life in general. Also, I've seen what people expect of me, and I've seen what I can do. People all along the way helped me do this, such as drill sergeants. Being in the military is preparing me well in many ways for my civilian career. Another thing I've learned is different leadership styles and how to deal with authority and co-workers, especially those different from me. I've learned how to work together as a team for the benefit of the mission and unit. Also, I've learned all it takes to work your way up the chain of success. The same principles it takes to increase in rank I can apply to my civilian career. Q: In what ways have your family, friends and civilian employer supported you in your military career? A: My family was real unsure about my joining the Army, because they have no personal experience of military life. They do see now that I enjoy serving. They also see the benefits it provides and the ways it's helped me grow. Q: What do you find most rewarding about this Operation Enduring Free dom mission? A: Meeting all the people here from lots of different places. Also, all I've learned in the military I learn more intensely here, since I serve full-time. One thing I've learned is to never know what to expect in life. In high school I never imagined I'd join the military. Now I've served six years and plan to serve 14 more. Also, I never imag ined I'd serve in Cuba, but here I am. Living with others has helped me learn to deal with people better too. My experience of living with two sisters gave me a great advantage in adjusting to living with many women, but I still find the situation teaches me new lessons about people and getting along. Q: How do you think the mission will impact your life beyond Guantanamo Bay? A: Specific to this mission are just some of the leaders I've watched. CSM [George] Nieves served as a great example to me. I really admire him for the way he interacted with others and led his soldiers. Q: What situations and activities have you newly experienced here? A: I went boating with the Arkansas unit. I'd never gone boating before. Q: What goals have you set for your self while in Guantanamo Bay? A: My only goal here is to complete each day successfully, so I can get home to my family and working toward my career. I just try to focus on doing my best at my mission. I would have liked to take some classes while here, but I wasn't sure if I would have the time, so I didn't risk signing up. Q: What are your plans for when you depart Guantanamo Bay? A: I plan to make a career of the military. I hope to serve 20 years in the guard, but I may switch to being an officer. I began ROTC before deploying, and I may finish it when I return home. There's a lot I must weigh in deciding. If I become an officer, I'd like to serve in the adjutant general branch, where I think my skills and interests would fit best. Q: What would you say to a person wishing to explore the military or a serv ice member considering reclassifying his or her MOS? A: Take a good aptitude test. Know your self. Know your interests and your talents. Serving in a job that best fits you benefits the military and you. Also, consider taking a job that will give you experience in what you desire to do full-time as a civilian. Your mili tary service can be a great learning experience for your civilian career as well as a means to pay for college. It will help build you as a per son and in your career, and build your resume. Photo by SPC Katherine L. Collins SPC Altrenna Thomas, 217th MP Co., takes notes as she listens to a briefing on speaking with the media. By SPC Katherine L. Collins